Cary Ritzler joined the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy in 2022 as SACE’s Georgia Organizer, working with volunteers and leaders around the state to promote clean energy policies at the local, state, and federal levels. Previously, Cary has worked in affordable housing and local government supporting sustainable development and policies.

Cary has been an active advocate for climate policy since 2015. Cary is a leader and founding member of the 100% Athens Clean and Renewable Energy Initiative, which worked with Environment Georgia and the local government to set a target of 100% clean and renewable energy by 2035, established a fund of $15.4 million in local option sales tax revenue to support the transition and continues to collaborate with the municipality and local groups in developing the Athens Clean Energy Plan. Cary also serves as co-chair for the Just Energy Circle’s Policy Committee.

Cary has a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a Master’s degree in Special Education. She is currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in Public Administration through the University of Georgia’s School for Public and International Affairs. She taught elementary school for twelve years and was awarded the Charlotte Brown Chair for Teachers of Special Education by the Athens-Clarke County Foundation for Excellence in Education in 2014.